Ornamentation of metal surfaces



- Jan. 1, 1929.

' 1,697,190 H. LANGE ORNAMENTATION OF METAL SURFACES Filed May 10, 1926 F/LZ-i representing brick faces,

Patented Jan. 1, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY LANGE, OF QUINCY, ILLINOIS.

ORTNAMENTATION OF METAL SURFACES.

Application filed May 10,

The improved finish is especially desirablefor heating stove casings, such as disclosed in my "Design Patent No. 70,003, granted April 27, 1926, and may be used for metal fireplace fronts or elsewhere when it is des rable to use metal for an imitation brick effeet.

The brick work effect is particularly desirable on a heating stove casing, such as dlsclosed in said design patent, to give the appearance of a built up brick structure, using a thin metal casing or shell through which the heat may pass from the stove or heater enclosed by the casing. Such a structure will lend a sightly appearance in the room in which it-is used, the heating stove being concealed from View.

In using metal, such as ordinarily employed in the construction of stoves, the problem to be solved, in addition to the formation of the surface of the metal with" grooves to give a brick work effect, is the finishing of the surface to simulate the rough sandy surface of bricks. The result has been accomplished by the application of sand or other fine particles to the surface of the metal in combination with enamel, to give a sanded enamelled finish closely resembling a brick surface, which is made more pro nounced and effective by the corrugation or roughening of the surfaces representing the bricks, as'hereinafter more fully pointed out.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein- Figurel is a fragmentary face view of a metal plate having the improved finish.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged section on the line 2--2 of Fig. l.

The plate or object7, which is of cast irog or other metal, such as used in the construction of stoves and other devices of a kindred nature for which the invention is appropriate, has its outer surface formed with grooves 8, corresponding to the grooves between the bricks of a brick work construction, so that the face of the plate 7 has a brick work appearance. The grooves 8 separate the surface of the plate 7 into areas which may be in 1926. Serial No. 103,180.

staggered or other suitable arrangement such as used in, brick work.

In carrying out the invention, fine sand or other fine inert inorganic particles -9 are distributed over the surface of the plate 7 and may be applied in any suitable manner. 7

For example, the sand or small particles may be sprayed over the surface of the metal.

One or more coats of porcelain or other suitable enamel are applied to the surface of the metal betweenfand over the particles 9, thereby causing said particles to adhere to the metal surface, and giving the surface a rough sandy enamelled appearance. An initial coating of enamel is applied to the metal surface prior to the application of the sand or small particles to cause said particles to adhere, after which additional enamel is applied. a

This method is desired for uniform results. Thus, the metal surface is first sprayed with a wet enamel coating, and while the coating is still wet it is covered by the particles of sand. The metal is removed quickly from the sand bath so that just sufficient particles of sand adhere to the wet enamel as will contact with the enamel and stick thereto. After this another coatof wet enamel is applied in light form or in a thin layer over the sanded surface, and colored enamel is then sprayed on top in order to produce the desired color scheme. When the enamel is dry the metal is fired or burnt as usual in a furnace to allow fusing of the coating to the metal. The enamel covers the surface of the metal and the particles 9. thereby giving the effect of an integral sandy enamelled or fused surface. The particles, as shown in Fig. 2, are of greater thickness than the layer of enamel, whereby the enamelled surface is :rough or sandy pearance, to give the desired efiect. Various color schemes may beused in enamelling, either of one color, or a combination of colors to represent ornamental bricks. The sand and enamel adhere, after firingas usual, to the metal surface, so as not to chip or loosen, high temperatures. The sanded enamelled finish is therefore suitable for use in 'stove casings to withstand the heat to which the metal is subjected.

The brick work effect is rendered more pronounced by the corrugation or roughening of the brick faces of the plate 7 Thus, the brick faces are formed with grooves 11 or in apeven when the metal is subjected to other recesses, providing a coarse or rough surface, which is of corrugated appearance asshown in'the drawing, and the sand or particles 9 being disposed on the ridges and in the grooves, will give a marked brick- ]ike appearance, making the effect considerably more natural than if the brick faces were fiat or smooth.

By the use of the present method of finishing the surface of the metal, it is possible to use a metal structure which, excepting upon close examination, cannot be distinguished from natural brick work, and, at the same time, the structure is capable of being heated to comparatively high temperatures Without deterioration of the finish.

Having thus described the invention, What is claimed as new is 2- 1. The method of finishing the surface of a metal object with the appearance of a sandy brick-like surface consisting in applying an initial Wet enamel coating to the surface of the metal, then distributing fine inert inorganic particles over said surfaces so as to adhere to said coating, and then applying a layer of enamel to said surface between and over said particles and firing the object so as to produce a rough enameled surface.

'2. The method of finishing the surface of a metalobject with the appearance of a sandy brick-like surface consisting in first applying an initial coating of wet enamel to the surface of the metal, then distributing sand over said surface so as to adhere to said .coating, and then applying a layer of enamel HENRY LANGE. 

